Water and Sanitation Focus of High-Level UN Meeting in Nairobi

By UNITED NATIONS
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Water and Sanitation Focus of High-Level UN Meeting in Nairobi

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 26, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- In the fast-growing cities of developing countries, urbanization is outpacing the availability of clean water and water sanitation. As a result, slums are growing in size, and human health and the environment face serious risks.


The need to improve sustainable access to water and sanitation – and achieve sustainable development goals – will take centre stage at a special conference at the United Nations in Gigiri from 27 – 29 November.


The event is organized by the UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) and the board's Chair, His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange from the Netherlands, will be among the delegates attending.


The conference will examine, among other issues, regional goals for water and sanitation in East Africa, and how investment and funding can be leveraged for projects in Kenya.


Members of the press are invited to attend the opening ceremony. This will be followed by a media briefing on challenges and opportunities on improving water access and sanitation in East Africa and beyond.


Opening Ceremony, 8:30 – 9:15am, 27 November 2012

Venue: Conference Room 3 UN Compound, Gigiri


Speakers:

•    HRH the Crown Prince of Orange of the Netherlands

•    Hon. Charity Kaluki Ngilu, Minister of Water and Irrigation, Kenya

•    Mr. Achim Steiner, UNEPs Executive Director

•    Mr. Thomas Stelzer, Assistant Secretary General, UN DESA, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General


Media Briefing, 9:30-10:00am, 27 November 2012

Venue: Press Centre, Lower Library, UN Compound, Gigiri


Speakers:

•    Dr. Uschi Eid, Vice Chair, United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation

•    Prof. Eric Odada, Professor of Nairobi University and a member of UNSGAB

•    Representatives from UNEP and UN-Habitat